Mumbai, 18 December. It has been ten years since the release of the period drama and blockbuster film ‘Bajirao Mastani’, starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra. Though the film faced controversies at the time of release, it broke all records at the box office.
When the pairing of Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan did not work out, Salman suggested to director Sanjay Leela Bhansali to cast Katrina Kaif as Mastani.
Although Katrina’s schedule was very busy then, Bhansali could not imagine her playing Mastani, speaking Urdu and fighting in the film. Attempts were also made to cast Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor as the lead pair, but their dates did not match, so that pairing could not happen either.
In 2003, Bhumi Pednekar was chosen for the role of Bajirao’s first wife Kashibai, but during a look test, her saree caught fire. After this accident, the role went to Priyanka Chopra, who brought life to Kashibai on screen.
Ajay Devgn was also approached for the role of Bajirao, but he demanded such a high fee that the makers had to withdraw, after which the role went to Ranveer Singh.
Bhansali and Ranveer had previously worked together on ‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela’. It was on Ranveer’s insistence that Bhansali signed him for this film. The pairing of Ranveer and Deepika had already created a sensation on screen, so the makers did not hesitate to bring them together again. After much effort, the cast of the period drama ‘Bajirao Mastani’ was finally finalised.
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PS/VC
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